Valley Vista Student Wins Prestigious Flinn Scholarship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/27/2023

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools and Valley Vista High School senior, Fatem Kadhem, was named a Flinn Scholar and will receive the prestigious Flinn Scholarship valued at more than $130,000.  

Fatem is one of only 20 recipients across the state of Arizona, selected out of 1,045 applicants for her academic achievement, leadership and involvement, service to the community, ability to communicate, and personal qualities. She is a first-generation college student and plans to attend Arizona State University after graduation, and major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in French.  

"This scholarship has opened up so many doors for me,” said Fatem Kadhem. “I'm eternally grateful to have been selected as a Flinn Scholar alongside the rest of the incredible Flinn Class of 2023. I can't wait to continue taking charge of my academia and in my community as I transition into college."  

Fatem is in the top 1% of her class and has a 4.674 GPA.  She serves in many leadership roles at Valley Vista High School, including Key Club President, Book Club Co-founder and Treasurer, Science Olympiad Mentor and Member, Environmental Club President and Co-founder, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.  Fatem also was named a Commended student in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program for her PSAT score. 

“Fatem is an exemplary student,” said Andrew Frazier, Valley Vista High School Principal. “She is mature, well-rounded, involved around campus, and an advocate for others. She is a model student that stands out in everything she does! We are so proud to have Fatem represent our school and to celebrate the outstanding work she has done.” 

About the Flinn Scholarship 

The Flinn Scholarship, awarded annually to approximately 20 Arizona high-school seniors, is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships in the United States. It supports four years of study at an Arizona public university, study abroad, personal mentorship by faculty and alumni Scholars, and many other benefits. The first Flinn Scholarships were awarded in 1986. The total award, provided via a partnership with Arizona’s public universities, is valued at more than $130,000. 

The Flinn Foundation is a Phoenix-based, private, nonprofit philanthropic endowment established in 1965 to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations. In addition to the Flinn Scholars, the Foundation supports the advancement of the biosciences in Arizona, arts and culture, and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.